Canberra Kanpai & Canapés 2025

A Symphony of Japanese Sake & Culinary Artistry

Saturday 18 October 2025 – Manning Clark Hall, ANU

For the very first time, Canberra will host an evening where elegance meets tradition — Canberra Kanpai & Canapés.

Step into a world where the delicate notes of Japan’s finest sake are perfectly paired with exquisite Japanese-inspired canapés, crafted to delight the senses.

An Elevated Sake Experience

Indulge in a 3-hour premium tasting journey featuring over 100 of Japan’s most celebrated sakes and fruit liqueurs, each chosen for its exceptional quality and character. Guided by sake masters, sommeliers, and Sake Samurai, discover the subtle layers, aromas, and stories behind every pour.

Your ticket includes an artisan sake cup (ochoko) to take home — a keepsake from an unforgettable evening. For those who fall in love with a particular drop, selected bottles will be available for purchase (delivery only).

The Art of the Canapé

Throughout the session, an endless flow of bite-sized creations will grace your table — each dish meticulously designed to harmonise with the sake selection. Expect refined pairings such as:

Edamame with Roasted Brown Rice Salt — simple, pure, and umami-rich
Smoked Cream Cheese & Takuan — smoky, creamy, and subtly sweet
Caramelised Onion & Parmesan Tart — warm, savoury decadence
Grilled Cauliflower with Miso Sauce — earthy, caramelised perfection
Prawn Toast with Sesame Crust — crispy, nutty indulgence
Seared Wagyu with Beetroot Purée Yukhoe Style — luxurious melt-in-the-mouth richness
Yuzu Gel with Amazake Cream — a refreshing citrus finale

Menu subject to change depending on seasonal produce.

Immersive Cultural Moments

Beyond the glass and plate, immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese culture:

Intimate Sake 101 seminars and masterclasses
A lively Sake Quiz Rally with prizes to win
Engaging sake description boards for deeper knowledge
Personal introductions to Sake Samurai and sommeliers who live and breathe the craft

Your Ticket Includes

3 hours of unlimited premium sake and fruit liqueur tastings
An artisan ochoko sake cup to take home
Continuous service of premium Japanese-inspired canapés
Access to all sake masterclasses and cultural activities
Opportunity to purchase rare sakes for delivery

Session Times – Saturday 18 October 2025

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Last pour 1:45 PM)

2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Last pour 5:15 PM)

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Last pour 8:45 PM)

Alcohol service concludes 15 minutes before the end of each session, as per our liquor license.

This event is for ages 18 and over. Responsible Service of Alcohol practices will be observed.

Venue: Manning Clark Hall, Australian National University, Ground Floor, Lowitja O'Donoghue Cultural Centre, University Ave, Kambri ANU

Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions and Refund Policy before purchasing tickets.
You are deemed to have agreed to them at the time of purchase.